V&P Scientific SpinVessel VP 418SV2-2-50CB-CC User manual

V&P Scientific, Inc. 1 Technical Note 269C
Technical Note 269C
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
SpinVessel® VP 418SV2-2-50CB-CC
*US and Foreign Patents Pending
SpinVessel® System with Computer Control feature for 25 or 50ml SpinVessel® Tube:
VP 418SV2-2-50CB-CC includes Motor Unit, Spin Cups, Controller (not shown), Power Supply
(not shown), USB cable and USB drive with control software (not shown).
Shown with SpinVessel® Tube, VP 830SV-50CB, sold separately.
SpinVessel® Tube VP 830SV-25CB for 25ml volumes also available,

V&P Scientific, Inc. 2 Technical Note 269C
SET-UP
CONNECTING PARTS OF THE SpinVessel® SYSTEM
1. Place Motor Unit on a sturdy lab bench, table or robotic workstation. Note that Z height
with tube is 148mm (tube cap and rubber feet not included).
2. Since Controller Cable is 6 feet long, Controller and computer can be placed at a distance
from the Motor Unit.
3. Connect Power Cord from Power Supply to an outlet.
4. Connect Power Cable from Power Supply to Controller.
Warning: Do not plug Controller in while power is on. Ensure that the Power Switch is in the off
position (“0” is down). Always have Controller plugged in before powering up.
5. Connect Controller Cable from the Motor Unit to the Controller.
6. Connect the USB Cable from the Controller to the computer.
7. Place one or two VP 830SV-50CB SpinVessel® tubes into the Spin Cups. Ensure that the
SpinVessel® is seated securely within the Spin Cups.
Power Cord
Controller
Cable
Controller
Motor Unit
Power
Supply
Power
Cable
USB
Drive
Spin
Cups
USB
Cable
Parts of the System:

V&P Scientific, Inc. 3 Technical Note 269C
Power Cord
Controller
Cable
Controller
Motor Unit
Power
Supply
Power
Cable
Spin
Cups
USB
Cable
USB
Cable
Connect
to
Computer
Back of Controller:
Power
Switch
(I/O)
Parts Connected:

V&P Scientific, Inc. 4 Technical Note 269C
OPERATION
POWERING UP THE SpinVessel® SYSTEM
The Power Switch (I/O) is located on the top of the Controller. To power up the Controller, depress the
“I” of the switch.
OPERATING THE SpinVessel® With COMPUTER CONTROL
The SpinVessel® Models with “-CC” in the part number are controlled using a computer. In this
configuration, the control unit does not have a manual Touch Screen Controller. The Controller for
the computer controllable SpinVessel® is connected by a USB communication cable to a computer.
The Controller accepts simple ASCII commands to set the speed of the rotations, the number of
rotations (including fractions of a rotation), duration of pause before reversing direction and degree
of ramping to speed set.
Software details
1. The SpinVessel® Controller uses an internal CH340G USB to Serial Converter (set to
9600,8,N,1) which will require driver software. Windows may already have the needed USB
driver software installed. If not, download the “CH340 USB DRIVER” from the provided USB
flash drive and run “CH341SER.exe” to install it (Windows typically auto-installs once
downloaded). If your company policy does not allow the use of the provided USB stick, this
driver is also available for download from the internet (contact your IT department for
assistance if necessary).
2. The basic command language for this computer-to-stirrer communication is ASCII.
3. Commands can be sent from the computer using a standard terminal program like
HyperTerminal or Realterm. Or, if needed, download the V&P Scientific Serial Terminal
program from the provided USB flash drive. If your company policy does not allow the use of
the provided USB stick, we suggest asking your IT department for a recommendation.
4. Alternatively, the ASCII commands can be sent by an automated liquid handler’s software to
control the SpinVessel®. Since there are many different automated liquid handlers available,
please contact a technical representative from the company that makes the liquid handler.
Connecting and sending commands
1. Set up the system as described in the Set-Up section of the SpinVessel® Technote with the
USB cable connected to the computer to be used.

V&P Scientific, Inc. 5 Technical Note 269C
2. Open the Serial Terminal program (V&P Scientific version or other).
3. Turn on the SpinVessel® instrument as described.
4. Select the appropriate COM port and click CONNECT to establish a line of communication
between the instrument and the computer.
5. Create ASCII command strings as outlined in the diagram shown below to control the
instrument with the following parameters:
a. Speed of rotation in revolutions per minute (RPM). Do not exceed 650 RPM.
b. Number of rotations before reversing direction.
c. Fraction of a rotation (input 0-9 for fractions of a rotation).
d. Pause, in milliseconds, before reversing direction.
6. Hit ENTER to send command and start rotation of the SpinVessel® instrument.
7. To stop, type <0> and hit ENTER.
USING the 25 or 50 ml SpinVessel®SYSTEM
The optimal stirring mode is dependent upon the application and needs to be empirically
determined. Factors to consider in determining optimal 25 or 50 mL SpinVessel operation are the
density of the particulates, their size and shape, as well as the volume and viscosity of the liquid. Start
with 500 RPM, 4.1 rotations and a 200 millisecond pause before reversing direction, then test to
determine the appropriate RPMs and number of rotations for the particulate’s density, fragility, and
solution viscosity. We have found that smaller circumference SpinVessels® require higher RPMs than
larger circumference SpinVessels, because the critical factor is the linear speed generated at the
circumference not the RPMs. See page 501 of our SLAS Technology paper for a full discussion of this
phenomenon.
RPM
Fraction of
Rotation
< 500, 4, 1, 200>
Pause
ASCII Command String API For SpinVessel®
Number of
Rotations

V&P Scientific, Inc. 6 Technical Note 269C
The following settings are ones to use when starting out with the VP 418SV2-2-50CB-CC:
Speed: 500 RPM Rotate: 4.1 times Pause: 200 milliseconds
It is always a good idea to practice with water in the SpinVessel® to determine safe RPM, rotation and
pause numbers before using expensive reagents.
The VP 418SV-2-50CB-CC SpinVessel® is designed to be used with VP 830SV-50CB or VP 830SV-25CB
SpinVessels® tubes. Please contact V&P Scientific for pricing.
See below for an example of low versus high RPM for a solution of yeast cells in a large circumference,
6-liter SpinVessel®. Note that, when given a longer mixing time, even the slower speed (20 RPM for
more gentle mixing) was able to suspend the yeast cells.
PRODUCT MAINTENANCE
GENERAL PRODUCT CARE
When not in use, turn the power switch off.
Do not place the control unit in chambers with temperatures above 40oC.
To clean the stirrer, wipe down with a cloth and mild detergent followed by a water wipe.
Do not immerse SpinVessel® Motor or Control in liquid.
The motor of the VP 418SV2-2-50CB-CC SpinVessel® is a stepper motor, 100-240 Volts, 50/60 Hz, CE
compliant.
0.00
0.20
0.40
0.60
0.80
1.00
1.20
2 5 9 14 18 24 28 33 37 40 44 60 90 120 230 480 720
Absorbance
Time (Seconds)
Yeast Resuspension with 6L SpinVessel®
20 RPM vs 100 RPM
20 RPM, 4 rotations, 500 pause 100 RPM, 4 rotations, 500 pause

V&P Scientific, Inc. 7 Technical Note 269C
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The use of motor controls, like that of all utilization of concentrated power, is potentially hazardous.
The degree of hazard can be greatly reduced by proper design, selection, installation, and use, but all
hazards cannot be completely eliminated.
The following safety precautions must be observed during all phases of installation, operation, service,
and repair of this motor control product. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific
warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture and intended use
of the products. V&P Scientific assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with safety
requirements and practices.
WARNING
To avoid personnel injury caused by electrical shock, do not
remove the cover of the controller when the power is ON.
CAUTION
Do not disconnect motor during operation. Otherwise, over-
current breakdown may result.
WARRANTY
V&P Scientific, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship when
used under normal laboratory conditions for one year. This warranty begins from the date of delivery
by V&P Scientific.
In the event this product fails under normal laboratory conditions within the specified period of time
because of a defect in material or workmanship, V&P Scientific will, at its option, repair or replace the
product. Damage to the product caused by user negligence is not covered.
Please keep the special shipping carton in case the unit needs to be shipped back to V&P Scientific.
Please contact V&P Scientific at the address below for return authorization and shipping instructions.
This warranty is made in lieu of other warranties expressed or implied including the warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. V&P Scientific shall not be liable for loss or
damages arising from the use of these products.
If assistance is required, contact V&P Scientific, Inc. at 858-455-0643 or [email protected].